California Wildfire Attorneys

LA Wildfire Lawyers for Homeowners

The LA wildfires have left entire neighborhoods in ruins. For many homeowners, an even more unsettling realization compounds the devastation—your insurance policy might not pay enough to rebuild. The financial and emotional toll can feel impossible to carry alone. Bentley & More LLP is ready to help. We’re committed to guiding families through these overwhelming challenges with our Review & Analysis service. Our wildfire attorneys will assess your policy, identify gaps, and hold insurers accountable for providing the compensation you need to recover.

Call Bentley & More LLP at (949) 870-3800 or complete our online form for your free case evaluation with an LA wildfire lawyer today.

Fire Insurance Review and Analysis for LA Homeowners: Empower Your Recovery

Greg Bentley from Bentley & More LLP spoke to community members affected by the Eaton fire at a town hall about underinsurance and evaluating your insurance policy.

Understanding your coverage shouldn’t feel impossible—especially not after a wildfire has left you with so many unanswered questions. Our Review & Analysis service can provide insight and actionable steps. Here’s what it includes:

• Policy Review: We will pore over every detail of your policy to identify gaps, outdated terms, and hidden clauses that might reduce your payout.
• Cost Discrepancy Analysis: Did the insurer provide accurate rebuilding estimates? If not, we’ll document and challenge those discrepancies.
• Next-Step Guidance: From filing claims to disputing denials, we’ll guide you through every option available.

This service is tailored for Southern California homeowners navigating the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes Fires. Whether you need peace of mind or a way to fight back, our team is here.

Call now for your policy review. Our wildfire attorneys in California are ready to act.

Discover the Advantage of Choosing Our LA Wildfire Lawyers

The Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires have destroyed thousands of properties across Los Angeles. Homeowners in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, and beyond are grappling with unimaginable loss. But dealing with an insurance company shouldn’t add to that stress.

Your insurer promised coverage, yet now you’re discovering a policy riddled with limits and loopholes.

This isn’t uncommon—insurance adjusters often rely on outdated software and cost estimates, leaving homeowners underinsured without realizing it until disaster strikes.

At Bentley & More LLP, we have stood alongside hundreds of homeowners, navigating complex insurance policies and obtaining fair settlements. We understand how the system works and how to fight back. Whether you’re battling inadequate coverage or a denied claim, our LA wildfire lawyers are in your corner.

If you’re a homeowner affected by the Eaton, Palisades, or Hughes Fires, take action today. We’ll help you determine what to do next.

Key Signs of Underinsurance Against Wildfire Damage

It’s often not apparent that your insurance won’t cover the full rebuilding costs until it’s too late. After catastrophic events like the LA wildfires, many families discover they’re underinsured only when faced with rebuilding estimates.

Here are some common indicators:

• Rebuilding Costs Exceed Policy Limits: Many insurers base policies on outdated cost estimates. If your home value or construction costs increase, your coverage might not suffice.
• Lack of Guaranteed Replacement Coverage: The shift from guaranteed to extended replacement policies left many with capped payouts, often insufficient for full rebuilding.
• Inaccurate Software Estimates: Insurers frequently use cost estimation software that underprices rebuilding costs, leading to insufficient coverage.
• Unexpected Out-of-Pocket Costs: If your insurer’s settlement falls short of contractor estimates, it could indicate underinsurance.
• Limited Communication from Insurers: A lack of proactive policy reviews or updates from your insurer can leave you vulnerable to underinsurance.

These issues are why Bentley & More LLP is committed to helping homeowners understand their options and rights. The insurance industry has long known of these systemic problems, often leaving policyholders significantly underinsured.

How to Maximize Compensation: Steps for LA Homeowners Affected by Wildfire Damage

The emotional weight of losing your home, the personal belongings tied to years of memories, and navigating insurance paperwork can feel like too much all at once. If the LA wildfires—the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, or Hughes Fire—damaged your home, you may now face the harsh reality of underinsurance. 

You don’t have to face these challenges alone, nor should you feel you have no control over the situation.

Proactive steps taken now can make a real difference in how you move forward. By gathering the right information, documenting your conversations, and leaning on expert guidance, you put yourself in the best position to secure the compensation and coverage you deserve. 

Here are actions you can start today to protect your rights, home, and family.

Document Every Communication with Insurers

Clear and comprehensive documentation is your most valuable tool when dealing with an insurance company. What you write down today can more quickly and completely resolve claims or disputes tomorrow.

Make sure to:

• Leave nothing to memory. After every phone call or meeting with your insurer, jot down the exact details. Include whom you spoke to, the date, the time, and what you discussed. For example, keep a dedicated notebook for all insurance communication.
• Follow up in writing. Send a follow-up email or letter detailing the conversation. This creates a written record to protect your interests and limits the chance of miscommunication. Save these emails or letters in an organized folder for future reference.
• Photograph and record everything. Keep visual proof, whether it’s damage to your home or letters from your insurer. Take photographs and scan important documents to ensure you always have access to a backup.

While keeping accurate records can feel tedious, it ensures you have the details needed to support your claim or challenge discrepancies down the road. Every piece of documentation you create now builds a stronger case for your recovery and keeps the process transparent.

If handling this alone feels overwhelming, Bentley & More LLP is ready to help. Contact us today to protect your rights and records.

Request Critical Documents

Understanding the scope of your coverage starts with having the right paperwork. Without these details, it’s difficult to cross-check what they owe you versus what you’ll actually receive.

Ensure you request key documents from your insurer immediately, including but not limited to:

• Certified copies of your insurance policy. Ask for a certified copy of your policy as it stood when the fire struck. This will contain any current coverage limits or clauses affecting your claim. Policies often have complex terms that you cannot easily interpret. Call us. We’ll review it and explain it to you.
• Replacement cost estimates. Insurers often use outdated or inaccurate software programs to calculate replacement costs. We can request their calculations to understand where your policy might fall short.
• Repair and rebuilding estimates. If your insurer prepared rebuilding or repair estimates, gather a copy. This will allow you to compare their numbers with real-world contractor quotes and identify any discrepancies.

Having these documents in hand helps arm your legal team with the evidence needed to challenge lowball settlements or denials.

Obtain Independent Contractor Estimates

What your insurance company believes it will cost to rebuild and what licensed contractors say it will cost are often wildly different figures. Don’t rely solely on your insurer’s assessment.

Instead:

• Get multiple estimates. Reach out to at least three independent contractors to get their professional opinions. Ensure these estimates cover every detail of the rebuilding process and provide an itemized list of costs.
• Ask for detailed reports. Independent contractors often write detailed reports highlighting why certain rebuilding costs are necessary. These reports can help paint a clearer picture of what’s realistic.
• Compare and act. Compare these reports against your insurer’s numbers. If you see significant variation, it’s a sign they’ve undervalued your claim, and you should take immediate steps to challenge their settlement.

Independent contractor estimates give you the leverage to push back if your insurer’s numbers don’t reflect reality. These detailed reports position you to demand what you’re owed, not just what’s offered. With accurate estimates, you’ll also understand the true cost of rebuilding your life.

Bentley & More LLP is here to compare the numbers, challenge low settlements, and advocate for what you deserve. Call today to discuss your case and explore your options.

Lean on Resources Like United Policyholders

Knowing where to turn for reliable information is as important as taking action when navigating insurance obligations.

Take the time to:

• Access essential guides. Review the United Policyholders wildfire recovery resources. They break down complex insurance jargon and offer step-by-step instructions for filing claims and handling disputes.
• Find red flags. Use tools and guides to identify areas where your insurer may act in bad faith, like unreasonable claim delays or vague justifications for paying you less.
• Prepare for the next steps. United Policyholders provides templates and tips on appealing denials or disputing low settlements. Instead of going through the process alone, discuss your case directly with our wildfire attorneys.

Taking these steps communicates a powerful message to your insurer—you are informed, organized, and determined to receive fair treatment. But remember, you don’t have to take on this battle alone.

Bentley & More LLP is here to support you. Schedule a free consultation to learn what’s next.

LA Wildfire Lawyer FAQs

Is it legal for insurance companies to deny my claim after a wildfire?

Yes, but it’s not always justified. If an insurance company denied your claim, an experienced attorney can investigate whether it based that denial on flawed reasoning.

How do I know if I’m underinsured?

Compare your policy limits to actual rebuilding costs. But red flags often arise—unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, vague explanations from your insurer, or limited coverage for temporary housing.

Do wildfire lawyers charge upfront for these services?

Bentley & More LLP offers free consultations, and our cases typically operate on a contingency basis. This means our fees come only if we win your case.

Can I still hire a California wildfire insurance attorney if my claim hasn’t been denied?

Absolutely. Analyzing your policy or preparing for negotiation places you in the strongest position possible.

I’m a renter. Does this still affect me?

It might. Issues surrounding renters’ insurance and disputes with landlords over losses have come up in the past. Consulting an attorney often helps.

What’s my first step in working with Bentley & More?

Start with a free policy review. This helps us spot gaps in coverage and prepare strategies to address them.

Bentley & More LLP | Los Angeles Wildfire Attorneys Here for You

The LA wildfires have devastated our communities. Thousands of residents in areas like Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Altadena face destroyed homes and uncertain futures. But dealing with underinsurance or low insurance payouts doesn’t have to be a battle you fight alone. Bentley & More LLP is committed to helping homeowners find a path forward. With a legal team ready to challenge deceptive practices and uncover fair solutions, we aim to help you recover and rebuild without unnecessary delays.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call (949) 870-3800 for your free consultation, or complete our online form to get started. Your recovery begins with a single step—make it count with Bentley & More LLP.

The recent devastation from California wildfires has left thousands of California residents injured or suffering from severe property loss. Insurance claims, healthcare costs, and other legal issues after such a disaster can leave many California citizens wondering where to turn for help. The Orange County personal injury lawyers at Bentley & More LLP are committed to helping your family recover compensation from the losses you suffered in the wake of California’s devastating wildfires. If you or a loved one were seriously injured or lost your home in a California wildfire, our wildfire attorneys can help.  We have the skill, resources and experience to hold those responsible for the fire accountable and compel insurance companies to handle your claim fairly.

Understanding your legal rights is the first step in recouping your losses and moving forward.  Contact our California wildfire lawyers today to schedule a free review of your legal options.

Steps to Take After a Wildfire

1. If your family suffered injuries, the loss of a loved one, property damage, or other losses following the California wildfires, it’s important to take steps that protect your rights. We recommend that all wildfire victims take the following actions:
2. Document everything. Save all correspondence from the insurance company, and all receipts for hotels and alternate transportation, make copies of all your medical records and bills, if applicable.
3. Make a record of your losses. Any items destroyed in the fire should be covered by your insurance policy, as they intend to replace everything with their actual cash value. Make sure all your possessions are accounted for and keep an inventory of all your damaged items. Your insurance company will likely ask for your date of purchase and cost whenever possible.
4. Obtain a copy of the fire report, if possible. In the event of massive wildfires, the report might not be available. If you have access to one, it might prove helpful to your insurance or claims.
5. Discuss your legal options with an attorney. Getting legal representation involved early in the process can cause an insurance company to take your claim more seriously and reduces the chance of insurance bad faith.

If you have been a victim of California’s wildfires, contact the California wildfire lawyers at Bentley & More LLP as soon as possible. Our office has extensive experience negotiating with third parties and insurance companies and will hold them accountable for the full extent of your losses. Don’t let others take advantage of your vulnerability during this difficult time. Schedule your free initial consultation and use our contingency-fee legal services today.

Insurance Claims After a Wildfire

In the aftermath of a wildfire, insurance issues can present one of the most common headaches for homeowners, renters, and others who suffered losses. As a policyholder, you pay your insurance premiums faithfully with the expectation that you’ll have help when you need it most. Unfortunately, many people find themselves in conflict with insurers following a disaster. You need effective legal representation that will defend your rights and help you achieve maximum compensation after suffering serious losses.

Insurance companies lose money when they pay out on your claim. Since many people are filing claims for property damage at once, they stand to lose a lot of money following a disaster like a wildfire. Though you purchased an insurance policy in good faith, insurance companies don’t always pay out claims in the same manner.

Underinsurance Evaluation

Homeowners have often found themselves underinsured in the event of a total fire loss. Despite the insurance industry’s long-standing awareness of and contribution to this issue, replacement cost estimates consistently fall short of the actual amount needed to fully rebuild a home. This problem became so widespread that the California Department of Insurance (CDOI) enacted regulations requiring insurance companies to meet specific standards when preparing these estimates and communicating them to insureds. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject the insurer to a claim for bad faith.

Bentley & More is committed to reviewing applications, policies, renewals, correspondence, and other relevant documents to assess whether an insurer’s actions regarding a particular policy and claim align with the California Insurance Code, the California Code of Regulations, and insurers’ duties to act in good faith.

At no cost to the insured, we offer to evaluate policies for all fire-related claims to determine if the mandated requirements were followed. For claims where a violation is identified, we are prepared to discuss being retained on a contingency basis—only for amounts recovered above the policy limits or insurer’s final offer. Please note though that Bentley & More is not pursuing claims handling, claims adjusting, or other item- or structure-valuation disputes with insurers at this time.

Bentley & More is dedicated to helping you protect your rights and ensure fair treatment. If you would like to have us take a look on your behalf, please email us at underinsured@bentleymore.com and we will assist you in gathering the documents we need to complete our evaluation.

What Is Insurance Bad Faith?

Under California law, insurance companies are required to process all insurance claims promptly, honestly, and fairly. Failure to pay out a claim in good faith or within a designated time frame may constitute insurance bad faith. Insurers may be financially responsible for any bad faith actions that occur, such as:

• Manipulating the findings of an investigation
• Lowering a claim amount
• Unreasonably denying a claim
• Delaying a claim payout without explanation
• Misrepresenting policy language
• Making an unreasonably low settlement offer for your claim

If you have reason to suspect that your insurance company is acting in bad faith, contact the attorneys at Bentley & More LLP as soon as possible. We hold insurers accountable and demand fair claim payouts on behalf of our clients.